Building Bridges: "Perfecting Your Position"

Frazzled Prayer:

Lord help us to dig deep into our roots today as we find fresh ground to take our stand. Let us have a renewed sense of commitment and endurance as we learn to love with patience and forgiveness like we have never known before. Lord help us build our bridges. Amen

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Deep in my heart is a Perfect Picture of how each of my relationships look. I can see each beautiful face of my loved ones, friends and even acquaintances. As I think about my time spent with them I imagine smiles, and genuine exchanges of kind thoughts and encouragement.

Yes! If I had total control every one of my relationships, they would be "perfect, RIGHT"!?

*****Que the screeching breaks! *****

Here's the bad news .. I don't have control over anyone.. or anything. The good news is I don't have control over anyone , or anything! Just what am I trying to say here!? I'm saying that if I want to "Perfect my Position" in my relationships and work toward building or mending bridges

I must first honor the gift of Free Will.

Jesus Did It First:

Jesus' "Perfected Position"

Having created us with the gift of Free Will Jesus sacrificed His total control over our decisions. He created us with the knowledge and ability to know and understand Him, and yet gave us the freedom to choose to be in an intimate relationship with Him. In order to give us this opportunity He maintaines a constant presence in our lives and yet does not demand our obedience. He will not force any of us to take His hand. While He is separated from us spiritually He maintains an open line of commumication, ready to receive our invitation, always staying just close enough to let us know He is very interested in being a central part of our lives. And even when we offend Him.. He offers forgivness and restoration.

2nd Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Jesus set's the Prefect example for "Perfect Positioning" in restoring relationships.

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#1 He Honors Free Will:

Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Can you imagine the urgency Jesus must feel as He is waiting for us to answer? Yet He remains patient and consistent as he anticipates our union. How can we model this act in our own relationships?

Make it Happen:

***Think about a person you want to restore a relationship with: How could you demonstrate your respect for their Free Will when they are not immediately receptive to your invitation?

Think of some things you can do to show you are a) Genuinely interested b) willing to wait unconditionally c) Maintain a healthy hope for restoration when you feel weary.

Here's a Hint: Listen for their Love language and as you decide what you can do, see if you can speak and act in ways that are most comfortable to them.

Write it Down: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

#2 He Stays Close while patiently waiting for an invitation

John 10:18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

I can hear the conviction in Jesus' voice in this passage. He is clearly aware that He does not have to sacrifice His life to save us.. but that He stays the course by His own free will.

Make it Happen:

*** What do you need to sacrifice as you wait for restoration? Or a better question is what, in you, needs to die in order to preserve life in this relationship?

Here's a Hint: The root of much of what plagues our relationship often comes back to an element of pride. Maybe you can dig up some of those pride roots and plant some fresh seeds of kindness.

Write it Down:

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#3 He Forgives

Jesus tells a story about an "Unforgiving Servant" :

Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

The meaning here isn't exactly literal but He makes a profound point. There is no end to the number of times we can forgive. Please understand forgiveness isn't just for other people.. it is mostly for you. You see, you can forgive a person without allowing them to continue to harm you. Forgiveness doesn't mean allowance for continued abuses.. it does mean freedom for your soul and freedom to be nearer to the Lord.

Make it Happen:

***People we desire to restore our relationships with will often have caused hurt or are continuing to cause hurt.. that is why we need restoration. Therefore it will require a great deal of forgiveness. What can you do to practice forgiving each time you feel injured or hurt.. or rejected?

Here's a Hint: Jesus said he would forgive us as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. If you could use a measuring stick to show how well you forgive others.. would you want that to be the measuring tool God used for you? If not maybe it's time to stretch that measure and spend some time in prayer and ask God to reveal where forgiveness is needed for yourself and others.

Write it Down: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________